Linear Drumming

[kags]

On Ken Bruce (Radio 2) this morning, he played 50 Ways To Leave your Lover by Paul Simon, and he said that Steve Gadd's drumming on the track was an example of linear drumming. Now I think I understand what linear drumming is, but are there any other famous examples? Or are there any particular drummers who favour this style of drumming?

[andy hughes]

The term 'linear' drumming is used to describe any drum technique that involves hitting the drums separately, usually picking out a rhythm on the snare, anad backing it with other drums and cymbals.As Mr Bruce says, this is a perfect example of the style, played by one of its expert exponents. For other examples, check out Stewart Copeland from the Police, Danny Carey from Tool, Terry Bozio from The Mothers Of Invention, and of course Steve Gadd, currently touring with Eric Clapton. Because it is such a generic term, examples are hard to pin down, but if you follow my definition, you'll get the drift. You can read about drums and drummers in the excellent 'Drummer' magazine, this month featuring an intervew with Josh Freese who plays with A Perfect Circle, and has done loads of sessions - inclduing Avril Lavigne's first album. (Yes I do have a vested interest in the mag. and yes I am looking to push up the circulation figures, and yes the Josh Freese interview was written by me.)

[sft42]

How can you tell the drummer is at the door?

The knocking gets faster.

Drummers are deeply weird people who need councilling not told they have methods or styles!

[kags]

I lived with a drummer for 5 years, and had a drum kit in my kitchen - I even went to a Zildjan workshop (I wish I could remember the name of the drummer giving the workshop, could even have been Steve Gadd), but I never heard the term "linear drumming" in all that time. If "Drummer" magazine is available in Northern Ireland then I'm sure my ex will be a regular buyer!

[kags]

PS andy hughes is that why Stewart Copeland's "style" (apologies sft42 is so difficult to imitate?

[kags]

I meant that the style of drumming is difficult to imitate, not sft42!

[bazwillrun]

Q: What do you call someone who hangs around musicians ? A: A drummer !

[andy hughes]

How do you know the stage is level? The drummer is drooling out of both sides of his mouth - yes I've heard them all! I don't know why drummers get such a bad press - all the ones I have met have been charming and erudite individuals, and have no personal axe to grind, I just speak as I find. Kags - any major newsagent chain, WHS etc. stock the mag - hope your ex likes it..